Engages readers with grace: "Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted" by Ron Citlau

about the book....

A Message of Hope and Grace

Sometimes in our big-picture discussions about homosexuality and same-sex marriage, we lose sight of the person in the middle of the struggle. Whether that struggler is you or someone you care about, there are two fundamental questions that need to be answered: How can someone with same-sex attraction be faithful to Jesus? And how can everyone else support and encourage them in this pursuit?

With clarity and grace, author and pastor Ron Citlau will help you think through every option the Bible offers--and what it does not. Having personally dealt with same-sex attraction, walked with others still struggling, and pastored those with gay loved ones, he encourages readers to think deeply and biblically about heterosexual marriage, singleness, celibacy, and more.

Discover the remarkable gifts God provides to the same-sex-attracted Christian who desires to faithfully follow Jesus. And learn how others can come alongside them with love, encouragement, and grace.

my review....

Ron Citlau has written a thought-provoking book in "Hope for the Same-Sex Attracted" that truly engages the topic of homosexuality with grace. What will make the book very approachable for readers of a variety of beliefs on this issue is the fact that Ron himself has experienced feelings of same-sex attraction throughout his life, and has chosen not to act on those feelings but rather be obedient to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who are looking for a book that examines some of the primary passages of the Bible dealing with homosexuality in all of its forms should look elsewhere, as Citlau even states at the beginning that this is not the point of the book. Rather, Citlau is offering up a way to have a grace-filled conversation about the struggles of same-sex attraction and how people with those struggles can remain faithful to Jesus. I felt that he does a good job at examining some of the obstacles standing in the way of the same-sex struggler embracing all God has to offer them, such as embracing gay marriage as a holy marriage (which he is clear is not possible in light of scripture), or the danger of having a "gay identity". Citlau also then discusses the gifts God has available to the same sex struggler (such as the gift of singleness, the gift of the church, or the gift of lament). Throughout the book, he speaks with much humility and love, creating a space for people to have honesty and difficult conversations. What I most appreciate about this book is that Christians cannot read this book and then walk away from their homosexual neighbours, friends or family members without realizing that we, the church, all have a responsibility to love same-sex attracted people well, offering truth with love, not condemnation. The book is easy to read, and despite what you may already believe about the issue, I think it adds some important elements to the ongoing conversations occurring in the greater church today.

Many books are being published on the issue of homosexuality and Christianity today, and "Hope for the Same-Sex attraction" is a valuable resource for those serving in the church as well as anyone impacted by this issue. I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

about the author....

Ron Citlau graduated from the University of California, Riverside and Western Theological Seminary. He has served in ministry positions in Southern California and Kansas City. He is the pastor of Calvary Church in Orland Park, Illinois, part of the Reformed Church in America.

Ron struggled with same-sex attraction his whole life and has worked with and walked alongside many others who have struggled with sexual brokenness, as well as equipping pastoral leaders to serve those dealing with sexual sin. He also worked with Andrew Comiskey, producing curriculum on sexual healing now used by Desert Stream Ministries in hundreds of churches throughout the country. When he isn't working, he loves to be with his wife, Amy, and their four boys: Jack, Sawyer, Eli, and Crosby.

I'm a follower of Jesus, a husband to the most amazing wife in the world, and dad to 3 awesome children...and did I mention that I love to read? I enjoy reviewing books on my blog (Christian Fiction Addiction) and connecting to other readers at Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, and Goodreads!